Nvidia releases Vista RTM drivers

In preparation for the retail launch of Windows Vista, which is scheduled for January 30, Nvidia has released a new set of WHQL-certified ForceWare drivers for the final ("release to manufacturing") version of the operating system. Numbered 97.46, the drivers are available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions for the x86 and x64 versions of Vista RTM, respectively. Nvidia says the drivers bring better application compatibility and performance than previous ForceWare releases for Vista, as well as a round of bug fixes. That said, the company stresses in its release notes (PDF) that some functionality, such as SLI multi-GPU support and DirectX antialiasing settings in the Nvidia control panel, isn't yet fully implemented.

In other Nvidia-related news, the company has completed its acquisition of PortalPlayer. This announcement comes mere days before the Macworld trade show, during which various rumors claim Apple will introduce an iPod phone. Like a number of Apple's previous iPods, the purported device will feature silicon designed by PortalPlayer, according to rumors.